Thursday, March 19, 2009

Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block


Books Completed: 58
Completion Date: February, 2009
Page: 128
Publication Date: May, 2008

Reason for Reading: New Author Challenge.
But this is what
I could not give up:
I could not give up myself

Psyche has known Love—scented with jasmine and tasting of fresh oranges. Yet he is fleeting and fragile, lost to her too quickly. Punished by self-doubt, Psyche yearns to be transformed, like the beautiful and brutal figures in the myths her lover once spoke of. Attempting to uncover beauty in the darkness, she is challenged, tested, and changed by the gods and demons who tempt her. Her faith must be found again, for if she is to love, she must never look back.

Well, I cannot say I am sure what to say about this book. Here is the situation: I thought it was a good book, but I didn't like it! I know this might not make sense to people, but I am not really sure how else to put it. It is just not my type of book, I guess is the best way to look at it. I just don't think Francesca's writing style is something that I can grow to like. I have another book by her here to read and while it sounds like something I will really like, I find myself picking away at it. Sometimes books written in a poetic style appeal to me, but generally I am not much for overly showy writing. It is sort of like I am a meat and potatoes type of gal, but with writing and not food. I couldn't get passed the fact that she was trying too hard. I did like the idea behind the story, though. I probably would've liked the story in its entirety if it wasn't for the writing style. It's unfortunate that it just didn't work for me, but I tried!

The ties to the Greek myth, though, were what kept me turning the page. I guess just because I didn't necessarily like her writing style, it did not mean that I didn't like the story. It is the retelling of 'Eros and Psyche' and she did do a good job of both staying true to the story and revamping it a bit. I think I am a little alone in not being a big fan of this book. I don't even know if it is the fact that it was free verse or the fact that I don't like Block's writing. I have another book on the go by her right now and I am not a big fan of it so far, either.

So, I will leave you with other reviews:
Things Mean A Lot
Once Upon a Bookshelf

12 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:20 AM

    I have a copy of this on my eReader to get around to at some point which I had forgotten about (thanks for the reminder!). Sorry you didn't like the style, but it's intersting that the story was enough to keep your interest through to the end. Sounds like she just isn't the author for you if you aren't enjoying another one by her.

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  2. Rhinoa: I hope you enjoy it!

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  3. That's too bad that her style isn't more appealing. I love the Cupid and Psyche myth, so I was excited to see the title.

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  4. I know that this-is-a-good-book-but-I-don't-like-it feeling! Block has a very unique writing style, that's for sure. It works for me, but I can see why it wouldn't for others.

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  5. You know, I'm usually not much for overly poetic writing either, but I absolutely loved the one book of hers I read (The Rose and the Beast). I keep telling myself I should read more of her stuff, but just haven't gotten around to it.

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  6. Nicole: Well, just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you wouldn't. :)

    Nymeth: Well, it was a good book, but I just didn't like it in the end.

    Debi: Yeah, you had said you liked The Rose and the Beast. You never know, I might read another book by her and really like it.

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  7. I love Greek myths and stories that re-tell or incorporate them. Sorry you couldn't enjoy this one :(

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  8. Tink: You should still give her a try. Even my friend that only reads once in a while likes this author. She told me last night! I am going to have to give her another try.

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  9. I know eactly what you mean by saying it was a good book but, you didn't like it I've read a few where my thoughts were bexactly that. I will look this one up it does sound kinda interesting.

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  10. Clare: I will be interested in hearing your thoughts on it should read it!

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  11. Anonymous10:13 AM

    I can completely understand why you wouldn't like this book. Since reading this one, I've read a few others by her, and it's always VERY touch and go with me as to whether I like it or not. Her writing is very poetic, to the point in some cases that it doesn't always suit what she's writing about, and can be a bit distracting from the actual story itself.

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  12. Court: It was touch and go throughout for me. Trying to decide what I thought of the book. I liked the story but not the writing for the most part!

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